Worried about starting a massage therapy business? Here’s everything you need to know.

An old friend of ours came into our Kava bar bar in Monroe. We got chatting, and after awhile, she revealed the story about how she started a massage therapy business.

Her boss refused to give her a raise, despite the fact that most of the clientele came in for her — and her alone. They trusted her to do the correctly, not the business she worked for.

So she made that giant leap, said “f*ck you”to her boss, and started a massage therapy business in her own home. 

Yeah, she got the clientele from that business for sure, but running a business is no easy feat. Having running a marketing agency (I Need This Marketing) and a kava bar in Monroe (Visbar), we know exactly how this women felt.

Here’s the good news: the ups and downs and the worries are all part of making that powerful leap. And you don’t need to have a degree in business to transition to business owner.

That said, there are a few things you should know.

Do you need a licence to open a massage business? What are the start up costs of starting a massage business? And is there a way to make all the boring logistical tasks of setting appointments a whole lot easier?

We’ll cover everything in this article.

Starting a massage business will be the most fulfilling career move you make. And once you read this next part, you’re going to wish you had done it sooner.

Here are the steps you need to take:

Develop a Business Plan

You don’t need to be a word-whizz to do this, and you could even get ChatGPT to do it for you.

But go ahead and outlines your goals, services offered, target market, pricing structure, and marketing strategy. 

This plan acts as a roadmap, ensuring you have a clear vision and strategy from the start.

Choose the Right Location

Decide whether you’ll operate from home, rent a space, or provide mobile services.

Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. For instance, renting a space gives a professional touch but can increase startup costs (more on that later), while mobile services offer flexibility but may limit your client capacity.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Comfort and professionalism start with your tools. Invest in high-quality massage tables, linens, oils, and other essentials that contribute to an exceptional client experience. Consider the ergonomic and hygienic aspects of your equipment to uphold health standards.

Set Up Your Online Presence

Establishing a website and social media profiles is key for visibility. Highlight your services, share client testimonials, and provide an easy way for customers to book appointments. 

Invite your friends and family to your Facebook and Instagram pages, and network, network, network! Using social media is the ? for leveraging powerful tech like DM automation.

Develop a Marketing Strategy

Start promoting your business through various channels such as local partnerships, social media ads, and referral programs. 

Word-of-mouth and client reviews will boost your credibility. (Hint: Google Reviews are a dealbreaker)

And hey, we’re called “I Need This Marketing” for a reason, so if you need experts on marketing, AI, and automation, we’ll show you how to start a massage business — using assets we used to transform small businesses into 6-figure titans.

Do you need a license to start a massage business?

Never underestimate startup costs! A startup massage business can only thrive when you know the nasty bills coming your way.

But once you know what to expect, you’ll be be on your way to 6-figures in no time ?

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to spend:

Training and Certification

Before you open your doors, you’ll need to invest in proper training. 

Shop around for the cheapest if you can, but most will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the location and length of the course. 

And don’t forget the cost of any licensing exams or certifications required by your state or country.

Business License and Permits

Acquiring a business license and other necessary permits can cost between $50 and $500, depending on your local regulations. It’s a small but essential investment to ensure you’re operating legally.

Insurance

Liability insurance is crucial for protecting yourself and your clients. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 annually for a policy, depending on the coverage you need.

Equipment and Supplies

Investing in quality massage tables, linens, oils, and other essential supplies is key for providing a great client experience. The cost of these items can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the quality and number of items you need.

Rent and Utilities

If you’re not working from home, renting a space can be on the pricy side when starting a massage therapy business. 

Monthly rent can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, based on your location and the size of the space. 

And don’t forget to budget for utilities like electricity, water, and internet.

Marketing and Branding

To attract clients, you’ll need to invest in marketing. This could include setting up a website, creating business cards, running online ads, or printing flyers. Initial marketing expenses might range from $200 to $2,000.

Technology and Automation

AI automation is here! And who’s have thought that when starting a massage therapy business, you’d need it?

Consider investing in scheduling software or DM automation tools to streamline client communication. These tools help you manage bookings and send reminders, saving time and improving client satisfaction. 

Let’s explore that in detail now:

How can DM automation simplify your client management when starting a massage therapy business?

When we speak to clients who started a massage therapy business, managing clients manually was their biggest headache.

In our opinion, it’s going to add on another layer of stress you simply do not need. According to Smartsheet, over 40% of workers spend at least a quarter of their workweek on manual, repetitive tasks, such as data collection and entry.

So to prevent being stuck at a computer all day, feeling like a salesman instead of a massage therapist, we suggest DM automation.

Here’s why:

1. Most of your clients will find you over social media, so if you can schedule appoints through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you’re cutting out all the extra steps your customers need to take to contact you.
2. Automated reminders sent through Facebook and Instagram will reduce no-shows and ensure clients don’t forget their appointments. 

Follow-up messages can also be sent to gather feedback or encourage clients to book their next session. So it’s a really powerful way to build credibility.

3. Advanced DM automation tools let you segment clients based on their preferences or booking history. 

This allows you to send tailored messages that feel personal, whether it’s offering special promotions or reminders of services they might enjoy.

4. You can send targeted promotions or share updates about new services, packages, or discounts. 

This helps keep your business top-of-mind and drives repeat bookings without the need for manual outreach.

5. How would you feel if, instead of having to call your hairdresser or your nail salon, you can sent them a quick message over Facebook instead?

And then, because you’re chatting with a chatbot, the appointment is scheduled immediately?

Not bad, am I right?

The only worry your customer might have is having to deal with a generic robot instead of a genuine human.

Luckily, when starting a massage therapy business, it won’t have to be like that because we can tailor your DM automation to reflect who you are and how you talk to your customers.

Do you need to hire a coder when starting a massage therapy business?

Nope! In fact, you don’t need much about DM automation when starting a massage business. Platforms like ManyChat can be used to set up DM automation while experts like ourselves (I Need This Marketing) can come in and create a tailored plan that will automate your business to 6-figure-status.

And can we let you in on a little secret? We’ve worked with businesses, big and small, who use DM automation all the time to book clients, send follow-up messages, or even just chat and help the client out as much as possible.

Small business owners came to us all with unique stories but share in the same problem: They got sick of missing big family events like Christmas or their children’s birthday party. They were overloaded with work and felt like Jim Carrey from Liar Liar.

It happens. That’s the price you pay for having a small business.

…or is it?

Our DM automation is so powerful, small business owners can work at reasonable hours while still reaping the benefits of owning a small business. 

If you want this system in place too, DM me @wallyduynguyen and we’ll show you how DM automation will give you the blueprint you need to grow your business to 6-figures – while saving you a bunch of time in the process.

Peace out ✌?

Wally, I Need This Marketing